The Greek word κολάζω, kolazo occurs two times in the New Testament. It has the primary meaning of pruning or “to prune” and is used metaphorically of punishing. In both references it is about punishing people. In relationship to annihilationism, Acts 4:21 speaks of a punishment that a person would experience. 2 Peter 2:9 implies that punishment is presently occurring for people would face the day of judgment.
- Greek word: κολάζω, kolazo
- Meaning: To mutilate, prune, such as trees, chastise
- Strong’s #: G2849
- Frequency: 2 occurrences
Summary of the meaning of the Greek word kolazo, mutilate, punish, in all verses where it occurs in the New Testament.
- Punishment experienced while alive, 2 occurrences,
- Acts 4:21; 2 Pet. 2:9
| TABLE OF ALL NEW TESTAMENT USAGES OF KOLAZO, κολάζω | ||
| Address | Verse | Meaning |
| Acts 4:21 | “When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened.” | Punishment experienced while alive |
| 2 Pet. 2:9 | “then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.” | Punishment experienced while alive |
- κολάζω kolázō; fut. kolásomai, from kólos (n.f.), abridged, shortened. To mutilate, prune, such as trees. Metaphorically, to correct, moderate. In the NT, and generally, to discipline, punish, with the acc. (Acts 4:21; 2 Pet. 2:9, meaning to reserve as subject to punishment). Also from kólos (n.f.): kōlúō (2967), to cut off, weaken, hinder.
- Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000
- “to punish, with the implication of resulting severe suffering—‘to punish, punishment.’
κολάζω: ἀδίκους δὲ εἰς ἡμέραν κρίσεως κολαζομένους τηρεῖν ‘to keep the wicked under punishment until the day of judgment comes’ or ‘… under guard, awaiting punishment on the day of judgment’ 2 Pe 2:9.”- Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.
- “κολάζω [kolazo /kol·ad·zo/] v. From kolos (dwarf); TDNT 3:814; TDNTA 451; GK 3134; Two occurrences; AV translates as “punish” twice. 1 to lop or prune, as trees and wings. 2 to curb, check, restrain. 3 to chastise, correct, punishment. 4 to cause to be punished.”
- Strong, James. Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship, 1995.
